Glen Moray Releases Cabernet Cask Finished Scotch Single Malt

Speyside Scotch whisky distiller Glen Moray has made a new addition to their no-age-statement Classic Range Collection, a Cabernet Sauvignon Cask Finish Single Malt that joins existing port-, sherry-, and Chardonnay-finished expressions.

This expression spent most of its maturation in ex-bourbon barrels, then moved to ex-Cabernet Sauvignon barrels for its last few months, “where it takes on strong black currant and sweet cherry notes,” according to a press release. “The final result is a sumptuous red wine flavor that mingles with sweet, irresistible vanilla oak to create a wonderfully rich and fruity whisky.”

It’s a non-age statement expression, but Speyside’s Sherry Cask Finish, released in the same lineup, spent 6-7 years in bourbon barrels, then 9-12 months in sherry casks. The Cabernet-finished single malt is the sixth whisky in the Classic Range Collection, and is a gold medal winner at the New York Wold Spirits Competition.

Like the Sherry Cask Finish Single Malt, this expression will retail around $30 in the US, and you’ll find some official tasting notes below for your consideration. It should be noted as well Glen Moray dates to 1897 and typically rests its whiskies in a high percentage of first-fill ex-bourbon barrels.

• Nose: Honey, sweet apple jelly, toffee and honeycomb crisp on the nose.
• Palate: Creamy vanilla, pepper and spice, velvety dark chocolate and charred oak on the palate.
• Finish: An initial burst of sweetness fades into the dying embers of burnt oak and intense spice in the finish.